Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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96. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 15 October 2024, if he will identify each individual provider of legal consultancy services to his Department regarding the development and operation of the renewable electricity support scheme, during 2023 and to date in 2024; the amount paid; and the specific services provided. [43614/24]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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97. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 15 October 2024, if he will identify each individual provider of economic advice to his Department regarding the development and operation of the renewable electricity support scheme during 2023 and to date in 2024; the amount paid; and the specific services provided. [43615/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.

The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland’s flagship support scheme for grid-scale renewable electricity generators and a key measure in supporting Ireland's ambitious renewable electricity targets under the Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan 2024 provides that an estimated investment of €23 billion in wind and solar energy is required to support Ireland's carbon budget programme as well as significant investment in the electricity network and other supporting infrastructure.

The CRU has calculated that onshore wind and solar projects supported under the RESS will be paying out over €52 million to Irish households and businesses over 2024/2025. Indigenous wind and solar projects also put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices, reducing our exposure to volatile international fuel prices.

As part of the design and administration of the scheme, my Department procures consultancy support for legal and economic advice on development of the terms and conditions of each RESS auction as well as support on various aspects of the broader RESS programme. It is critical to the overall success of the programme that the RESS is supported by evidence based economic advice and that the scheme terms and conditions are legally reviewed and drafted.

The table below details the contract, consultancy service provider and cost for 2023 and year to date 2024.

*For UK based companies, VAT at 23% is paid separately in accordance with tax regulations.